Freeze, then fill the Cool-It Caddy with cosmetics or snacks to keep them cool for several hours.

Photo: Cool-It Caddy

Freeze, then fill the Cool-It Caddy with cosmetics or snacks to...

Image 3 of 19

Eddie Bauer Travex Convertible Pants

Photo: Eddie Bauer

Eddie Bauer Travex Convertible Pants

Image 4 of 19

Patagonia's merino wool undergarments are just as warm as the synthetic versions but aren't as prone to foul smells after use.

Photo: Patagonia

Patagonia's merino wool undergarments are just as warm as the...

Image 5 of 19

The Davek Mini umbrella, is strong, lightweight and folds up to just 7 inches long.

Photo: Davek New York, Handout

The Davek Mini umbrella, is strong, lightweight and folds up to...

Image 6 of 19

The Gerber Steady Tool is lightweight and compact for all the stainless-steel components it carries: a fine-edge blade, a serrated blade, needle-nose pliers, a bottle opened, wire cutters, three screwdrivers, a tripod, a camera/cell phone mount and a cell phone attachment (suction cup).

Photo: Gerbergear.com

The Gerber Steady Tool is lightweight and compact for all the...

Image 7 of 19

The Lifeproof iPhone Case is $79.99 from www.lifeproof.com.

Photo: Lifeproof

The Lifeproof iPhone Case is $79.99 from www.lifeproof.com.

Image 8 of 19

Rick Steves Avanti Rolling Tote 70% off: Reg $130 Sale $39.

Photo: KIVA Designs

Rick Steves Avanti Rolling Tote 70% off: Reg $130 Sale $39.

Image 9 of 19

Features of the Scottevest Fleece 7.0 jacket include a pocket that allows you to operate your smart phone without taking it out.

Photo: Scottevest, Handout

Features of the Scottevest Fleece 7.0 jacket include a pocket that...

Image 10 of 19

The Kiva 21-inch Upright Light is made of 100 percent recycled materials.

Photo: Kiva Designs, SFC

The Kiva 21-inch Upright Light is made of 100 percent recycled...

Image 11 of 19

Eagles Nest DoubleNest Hammock fits two people and weighs only 22 ounces.

Photo: Eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com

Eagles Nest DoubleNest Hammock fits two people and weighs only 22...

Image 12 of 19

Image 13 of 19

Phiaton's PS210 BTNC Bluetooth 3.0 Active Noise Cancelling Stereo Earphones do the same job of canceling jet noise as the bulky over-ear headphones, but without taking up space in your carry-on bag.

Photo: Phiaton

Phiaton's PS210 BTNC Bluetooth 3.0 Active Noise Cancelling Stereo...

Image 14 of 19

The Lightbeam Tote by Nau is a versatile travel bag as it transforms from shoulder bag to backpack.

Photo: Nau.com

The Lightbeam Tote by Nau is a versatile travel bag as it...

Image 15 of 19

The Polarmax AYG line of t-shirts and underwear seems designed for the backpacker who may not have the time (or the quarters) to hit the laundromat while travelling.

-- Unlike bulky noise-canceling headphones that practically require their own luggage, the Phiaton's PS 210 BTNC (Bluetooth noise canceling) are in-ear buds connected to a rechargeable controller the size of a Bic lighter. Use the Bluetooth for making calls or for music on a smart phone. Included cable allows connecting directly to a music source. Vitals: PS 210 BTNC by Phiaton ( www.phiaton.com), $159, online at Amazon.com or BestBuy.com.

- Spud Hilton

-- Spend less than a minute threading the carrying strap into a new configuration, and the Nau Lightbeam Tote becomes either a backpack or shoulder tote. The recycled polyester fabric is lightweight, and the bag compresses into an easy-to-pack mesh organizer bag. A huge main compartment, plus a handful of separate pockets, ensure that there's a place for your gear. Vitals: Lightbeam Tote, $130 at www.nau.com.

-- While unbelievably sturdy, the Davek Mini pocket umbrella's real strength is that it can fit in your back pocket. Deployed, it's 37 inches across, but closes to 7 inches long and about the width of a tennis racket handle. The micro-weave fabric is lightweight and dries fast. At $49, the Mini is pricey, but has a lifetime guarantee. Vitals: Davek Mini, $49 at davekny.com.

- Spud Hilton

-- The LifeProof iPhone Case adds waterproofing, but not bulk. The polycarbonate frame weighs less than an ounce and has waterproof and dirt-proof seals, lowering the chance you'll destroy your phone on a hike, kayak voyage or ski trip. A double AR-coated optical glass lens over the camera offers protection without affecting the quality of photos. Vitals: LifeProof iPhone Case, $79.99 from www.lifeproof.com.

- Jill K. Robinson

-- The smooth khaki look of Eddie Bauer Travex Pants will get you into restaurants that turn away grungy backpackers, while the sturdy, lightweight construction and deep zippered pockets make them a comfortable and durable choice for hiking trails. They dried quickly after a drizzly day and stayed relatively wrinkle-free for dinner that evening. Vitals: Eddie Bauer Travex Pants, $60, www.eddiebauer.com.

- Bill Fink

-- While it offers all the tools of a typical multi-tool, the 5.8-ounce Gerber Steady Tool has a feature that would make the Swiss Army jealous: a tripod and camera mount. Really. Along with the stainless-steel components - a fine-edge blade, a serrated blade, needle-nose pliers, bottle opener, wire cutters, three screwdrivers - there's a suction cup for securing your cell phone to the tripod that is amazingly strong. Vitals: Steady Tool, $64 at www.gerbergear.com.

- JKR

-- For when roll-aboard luggage on cobblestone streets is hell on wheels, Rick Steves' new Rolling Backpack offers tuck-away shoulder straps that convert the roll-aboard to a rudimentary rucksack. It's comfortable enough to get you past an obstruction until you're rolling again and, like other Rick Steves luggage, it's got a well-thought-out array of pockets and is built to take unspeakable abuse. Vitals: Rolling Backpack, $160 at www.ricksteves.com.

- JF

-- Advertised as so breathable the maker eliminated underarm-vent "pit zips," REI's Kimtah parka, uses a fabric called eVent that does indeed breathe better than old-school Gore-Tex. Rain beaded up and bounced right off the exterior (but that's to be expected of all new garments). The cut is roomy enough for a couple of layers underneath, but not bulky. Vitals: Kimtah Rain Jacket , $239 at www.rei.com and REI retail stores.

- John Flinn

-- When a lipstick can run $20, keeping toiletries cool is worth the effort. The Cool-It Caddy, a small clutch bag that you chill then fill, can be used for hours without "product meltdown." It comes in a shiny black Contempo version, a men's standard shaving kit and a bright canvas Icepops bag for beach trips. It's roomy enough also to fit chilled snacks and perishable meds. Vitals: Cool-It Caddy, $25-$36, www.cool-itcaddy.com.

- Jennifer Blot

-- Patagonia's merino wool undergarments are lusciously soft, not scratchy, and do a great job of keeping you dry during sweaty episodes of cross-country skiing, trail running and visits to the Musee d'Orsay. One of its biggest advantages: Wool doesn't stink like polypropylene tends to after a few hard days. Vitals: Patagonia Merino Wool 2 Lightweight Zip T-Neck, $80; matching bottoms, $70, from www.patagonia.com or outdoor retail stores.

- JF

-- Measuring larger than 6 feet by 9 feet, the Eagles Nest DoubleNest Hammock easily fits two people (maximum 400 pounds) and is extremely roomy for one. The nylon hammock is easy to set up - even without perfectly spaced trees - weighs only 22 ounces and packs up into a compression bag that's smaller than a travel pillow (about 4 by 5 inches). Vitals: DoubleNest Hammock, $64.95, www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com.

- BF

-- It's got 23 pockets for everything from a full-size iPad to sunglasses to a passport, but the Fleece 7.0 Jacket's marquee feature is a nook with a "Clear Touch Fabric" (think vinyl) window inside the hand-warmer pocket that makes it possible to operate a smartphone without taking it out of the pocket. Sleeves zip off for warmer weather. Vitals: Fleece 7.0 Jacket by Scottevest, $160 from Scottevest.com.

- SH

-- Even without the eco angle (100-percent recycled fabric), the 21-inch Upright Light by Kiva is useful and attractive and meets nearly all carry-on requirements. The soft-sided rolling bag is only 6.75 pounds, but is sturdy enough to take the abuse of being checked luggage. Vitals: Packing Genius 21-inch Upright Light rolling bag by Kiva Designs, $199 at eBags ( www.ebags.com) or at Book Passage in Corte Madera.